righteousness
righteousness Lexical Profile
righteousness Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The quality or state of being morally right, justifiable, or virtuous in conduct and character.
"The civil rights leader spoke with passion about the pursuit of justice and righteousness in society."
In theology, adherence to divine law and purity of heart, or the state of being in a right relationship with God.
"Many ancient scriptures emphasize that true righteousness is demonstrated through compassion for the poor."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'righteousness' (genuine moral integrity and uprightness) with 'self-righteousness', which carries a negative connotation of smug moral superiority and hypocrisy.
• Rhymes for righteousness
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old English 'rihtwisnes', from 'rihtwis' (righteous), combining 'riht' (right, just) and 'wis' (way, manner, or wise); the ending was later altered in the 16th century by association with suffixes like '-eous'.